While sugar may play a necessary role in some baked goods because of chemical reactions that result in the proper texture, rising, et cetera, quick breads are a wonderful category of sweets for which the complete substitution of a low-calorie sweetener such as Splenda is not only completely acceptable from a baking standpoint, but for taste as well.

Splenda is not truly calorie free; there are approximately 2 calories per teaspoon (compared to 15 calories per teaspoon of sugar!), so when utilizing in baked goods be sure to add 97 calories per cup of Splenda if you are concerned with accurate nutrition info. If you are not yet brave enough to try for a complete substitution, feel free to try the recipe with the Splenda Baking Blend (half sugar and half splenda), but it is worth trying the entire recipe with Splenda to see just how delicious "guiltless" baking can be!

This recipe is also included in the "guiltless" category because it is virtually fat free! The use of applesauce in quick breads in lieu of oil is not only heart healthy and MUCH lower in calorie (its use saves about 60 calories per half-inch slice!), but it results in a tender, sweet quickbread.

I've kept the whole eggs in this recipe instead of using an egg substitute or egg whites, as the caloric value difference is only about 5 calories per slice and I find that the yolks are a necessary binding ingredient. If you are concerned with cholesterol (and the recipe as written only has about 20 grams per slice) try it with egg whites or egg substitute (3/4 cup) and let us know how it goes!

My husband's mom made this faithfully each year for his birthday from the time he was old enough to remember. I continue the tradition for her and the entire family looks forward to January 12th each year!